It’s Installation season again, which means that we are going to have a whole bunch of new Past Masters.
If we are that Worshipful Master, about to leave the East to become a brand spankin’ new Past Master, what is the best thing we can do to help ensure the continued health of our Lodge?
We spent years working in the Lodge, pouring our efforts into improving it, now that we are stepping aside from leadership of if, how can we best help to ensure that it continues to thrive?
I think that we do a lot of planning about our time as WM, but I think that we sometimes neglect to plan for what comes after, so let’s chat about it…
While I think there are many things you can do as a Past Master, the number one thing that comes to mind is just show up. It's something I've seen in many Lodge Rooms, the lack of Past Masters.
As a Past Master you've walked the walk and you understand the types of challenges the current Worshipful Master is likely to encounter. By just showing up you're giving him, and the rest of the Lodge, a sounding board for those challenges and someone many can look up to for inspiration.
MW Sir, this is an important question and it boils down to how one remains a leader when he's no longer in charge. Relative to a Masonic Lodge two things come to mind: 1) preserve and promote peace and harmony, and 2) support the new Worshipful Master. I think we tend to take the first thing for granted ... after all, we're Masons because we're good men because we're Masons because (lather rinse repeat) ... and we shouldn't. For the second thing, the IPM should help make the new WM's year a success. Support his programs, contribute to or lead his committees, and offer advice and counsel that should be given in the most friendly manner (and privately).
I think the best description of the Role of the Past master is found in the american York Rite's Description of the Past master's degree.
As they say in the installation ceremony for Demolay Master Councilor: "Remember that from the ranks you arose, so to the ranks you must return."
"Past Master (virtual), by teaching the candidate that he must first learn to obey before he can rule, and to govern himself before he can govern others, fulfills the obligation and qualifies him for advancement."
My 2 cents:
Govern with firmness and humility. Once a past master, help your craft and new Master do the same. Recognize that your role is now wise servant.
Many of the problems I see personally in freemasonry, come from a lack of that recognition that humbleness, wisdom and a servants heart are what's needed. Titles, while hopefully earned, tend to get in the way of the chief object of our cause. We are all on the level.
Planning for the afterlife of a worshipful master happens before you assume the chair in the east. Appointing the right people to the chairs in the line will hopefully insure that the visions of the lodge are shared beyond your time in the east.
While I think there are many things you can do as a Past Master, the number one thing that comes to mind is just show up. It's something I've seen in many Lodge Rooms, the lack of Past Masters.
As a Past Master you've walked the walk and you understand the types of challenges the current Worshipful Master is likely to encounter. By just showing up you're giving him, and the rest of the Lodge, a sounding board for those challenges and someone many can look up to for inspiration.
MW Sir, this is an important question and it boils down to how one remains a leader when he's no longer in charge. Relative to a Masonic Lodge two things come to mind: 1) preserve and promote peace and harmony, and 2) support the new Worshipful Master. I think we tend to take the first thing for granted ... after all, we're Masons because we're good men because we're Masons because (lather rinse repeat) ... and we shouldn't. For the second thing, the IPM should help make the new WM's year a success. Support his programs, contribute to or lead his committees, and offer advice and counsel that should be given in the most friendly manner (and privately).
I think the best description of the Role of the Past master is found in the american York Rite's Description of the Past master's degree.
As they say in the installation ceremony for Demolay Master Councilor: "Remember that from the ranks you arose, so to the ranks you must return."
"Past Master (virtual), by teaching the candidate that he must first learn to obey before he can rule, and to govern himself before he can govern others, fulfills the obligation and qualifies him for advancement."
My 2 cents:
Govern with firmness and humility. Once a past master, help your craft and new Master do the same. Recognize that your role is now wise servant.
Many of the problems I see personally in freemasonry, come from a lack of that recognition that humbleness, wisdom and a servants heart are what's needed. Titles, while hopefully earned, tend to get in the way of the chief object of our cause. We are all on the level.
Planning for the afterlife of a worshipful master happens before you assume the chair in the east. Appointing the right people to the chairs in the line will hopefully insure that the visions of the lodge are shared beyond your time in the east.
I wrote this three years ago. https://masonsleadbetter.com/how-to-be-a-non-grumpy-old-past-master-why-everyone-else-should-listen-to-you/